Veterans: What’s your experience with prescription medications from the VA?

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the number of opiate prescriptions by doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs has skyrocketed. According to dataobtained by The Center for Investigative Reporting, prescriptions for four opiates – hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone and morphine – have surged by 270 percent in the past 12 years. The Veterans Centers in Oklahoma show the highest increases for such presriptions. For the last two years, the data shows the agency has issued more than one opiate prescription per patient, on average.

In interviews, advocates and experts said the rising prescription rate confirmed their worst fears: that the VA is overmedicating its patients as it struggles to keep up with their need for more complex treatment.

To help us better understand how opiates are affecting veterans in Oklahoma, KOSU's Rachel Hubbard and Scott Carter from The Journal Record want to hear about any experience you or a loved one might have had with VA-prescribed medication. Please take a few minutes to share your story in the form below. We know this is a sensitive issue to discuss, and we will not share any of your information or responses without your permission.

You also can reach Rachel Hubbard at rachel@kosu.org or Scott Carter at scott.carter@journalrecord.com